Degradation assessment of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) debris after long exposure to marine conditions.

The degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in marine environments was investigated under various weathering conditions. HDPE debris were collected from coastal areas near Korinthos, Greece which had been exposed to marine conditions for durations ranging from a few months to several decades; they were analysed alongside with laboratory-manufactured HDPE specimens subjected to controlled weathering exposure. Four (4) different cases were investigated, including exposure to different conditions, namely to (a) natural atmospheric and (b) sea weathering conditions, (c) accelerated ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and finally (d) submersion to artificial seawater for up to twelve (12) months.

Translating thyroid hormone into clinical practice: lessons learned from the analysis on data available from the ThyRepair study.

Background: Thyroid hormone (TH) appears to have a reparative action on the postinfarcted myocardium. This novel action was recently tested in a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ThyRepair). The present study performed a analysis of data from the ThyRepair study to provide further insights into the novel actions of TH on the human postischemic myocardium.

Electrochemical Impedance as an Assessment Tool for the Investigation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Graphene-Based Cementitious Nanocomposites.

This investigation explores the potential of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in evaluating graphene-based cementitious nanocomposites, focusing on their physical and structural properties, i.e., electrical resistivity, porosity, and fracture toughness.

Piezoresistive Properties of Natural Hydraulic Lime Binary Pastes with Incorporated Carbon-Based Nanomaterials under Cyclic Compressive Loadings.

Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHL) are extensively used for the restoration of Monuments of Cultural Heritage, often combined with pozzolanic materials, such as natural pozzolans and metakaolin etc. In the present study, five (5) different cases of binary lime-based pastes composed of a specific type of NHL (NHL5) and metakaolin as pozzolanic addition were examined, that were reinforced with carbon nanostructures, namely graphene and carbon nanotubes. For the first time in restoration mortars, the incorporation of carbon nanostructures was investigated, aiming to produce materials with adequate piezoresistive response, so that they have the potential to be exploited for in situ structural health monitoring.

Dispersion of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes into White Cement Mortars: The Effect of Concentration and Surfactants.

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) exhibit exceptional mechanical and electrical properties and can be used to improve the mechanical and piezoelectric properties of cement-based materials. In the present study, the effect of different MWCNT concentrations as well as different types of surfactants and a superplasticizer were examined to reinforce, at the nanoscale, a white cement mortar typically used for the restoration of monuments of cultural heritage. It was shown that sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) and Triton X-100 surfactants slightly decreased the white cement mortars' electrical resistivity (by an average of 10%), however, the mechanical properties were essentially decreased by an average of 60%.

Effects of Acute Triiodothyronine Treatment in Patients with Anterior Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Angioplasty: Evidence from a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial (ThyRepair Study).

Thyroid hormone has a differential action on healthy and ischemic heart. Triiodothyronine (T3) administration improved postischemic cardiac function while it limited apoptosis in experimentally induced ischemia. Thus, the present study investigated the potential effects of acute liothyronine (LT3) treatment in patients with anterior myocardial infarction.

control of graphene oxide dispersions with a small impedance sensor.

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs), such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, display advanced physical and chemical properties, which has led to their widespread applications. One of these applications includes the incorporation of CBNs into cementitious materials in the form of aqueous dispersions. The main issue that arises in this context is that currently no established protocol exists as far as characterizing the dispersions.

The prognostic role of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and reduced ejection fraction, implanted with cardioverter defibrillators for primary prevention. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Previous studies suggest that late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is associated with arrhythmic events in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), while others have questioned the role of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as a sole predictor of future events.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of LGE on CMR in identifying patients with NICM and reduced LVEF for whom a benefit from defibrillator implantation for primary prevention is not anticipated, thus they are mainly exposed to potential risks.

Methods: Major electronic databases were searched for studies reporting the incidence of appropriate device therapy (ADT), sudden cardiac death (SCD), and cardiac death based on the presence of LGE on CMR, among patients with NICM and reduced LVEF, implanted with a cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention.

Lessons of the month: Reemergence of rheumatic fever after a systemic streptococcal A infection: The role of cardiac MRI on the diagnosis of subclinical rheumatic carditis.

A 42-year-old man presented with fever, sore throat, rash and painful right knee swelling, preceded by self-medication with oral steroids. Blood and knee cultures yielded group A After 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics and two arthroscopic knee debridements, he continued to experience spiking fevers, and electrocardiographic changes developed. We postulate that the patient suffered from the first presentation of acute rheumatic fever, following an invasive group A bacteraemic streptococcal infection.

Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Interatrial Septum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

• LASH is part of the differential diagnosis for atrial tumors. • LASH demonstrates the characteristic “dumbbell” shape. • Often diagnosis is based on echocardiography and CT or CMR.

Detecting human coronary inflammation by imaging perivascular fat.

Early detection of vascular inflammation would allow deployment of targeted strategies for the prevention or treatment of multiple disease states. Because vascular inflammation is not detectable with commonly used imaging modalities, we hypothesized that phenotypic changes in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) induced by vascular inflammation could be quantified using a new computerized tomography (CT) angiography methodology. We show that inflamed human vessels release cytokines that prevent lipid accumulation in PVAT-derived preadipocytes in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.

Cardiac Imaging in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

Cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The implementation of various imaging modalities may help to risk stratify these patients with a potential ease on the burden of complications and the rising costs of care. In this article we review some of the modern imaging techniques to diagnose cardiac disease in patients affected by CKD.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue: Another Tassel in the Complex Fabric of Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis affects the majority of adult individuals in industrialized nations and it is beginning to affect even traditionally spared populations. The classic view has been that the precipitating events are intraluminal. However, good evidence supports the possibility that at least part of the atherosclerosis burden may be the consequence of extra-luminal noxious stimuli.

Mitral-Aortic Intervalvular Fibrosa Pseudoaneurysm.

Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF-P) usually ensues as a complication of endocarditis or aortic valve surgery. When large, symptomatic or related to complications (rupture, compression of adjacent structures, embolic events, mitral regurgitation or heart failure) it warrants surgical excision. The natural course of uncomplicated/asymptomatic MAIVF-Ps is largely unknown since most patients are offered surgery.

Aortic Flow Patterns After Simulated Implantation of Transcatheter Aortic Valves.

Introduction: The functional behavior and hemodynamic characteristics of percutaneously implanted bioprosthetic valves are not known.

Methods: We created aortic models after the simulated implantation of two of the most widely used bioprosthetic valves: the Edwards SAPIEN, and the Medtronic CoreValve. By using computational fluid dynamics analysis we sought to investigate variations in the aortic flow patterns induced by the two valve designs and their association with detrimental phenomena such as vascular remodeling, vascular wall damage and thrombosis.

The Tree of Sirtuins and the Garden of Cardiovascular Youth.

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a class of nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent proteins which participate in numerous molecular pathways involved in various age-related human diseases, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular (CV) diseases and cancer. They have a major role in apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolism regulation, traits that have a great impact on CV physiology and pathology. Their unique profile of NAD+ energy dependency makes them an appealing target for human intervention in cellular and metabolic processes.

Anti-Inflammatory Treatment With Colchicine in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Pilot Study.

Background: Inflammatory processes have been identified as key mediators of the deleterious effects of ischemia/reperfusion in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Colchicine is a substance with potent anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for safe use in patients with cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a short course of colchicine treatment could lead to reduced infarct size.